Scientific Operations Officer (Neurology)

The Department of Neurology is seeking a Scientific Operations Officer (SOO) for the Center of Neurogenetic Therapeutics (CNT). The CNT is a new research initiative supported by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Department of Neurology that aims to advance novel genetic treatments for neurological diseases. Historically, neurological diseases lack disease-modifying treatments, but novel DNA and RNA-targeting drugs have recently been approved for muscular dystrophies, spinal muscular atrophy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. To capitalize on the broad potential of neurogenetic therapeutics, CNT will mobilize existing strengths in the basic and clinical sciences across departments and Institutes (including the Brain Science Institute and Kennedy Krieger Institute) to champion and implement preclinical development of new genetic therapeutics and enable their translation to the clinic in an equitable fashion. CNT in collaboration with academic, government and industry partners will be a leader in continued breakthroughs in neurogenetic therapeutics, which are transforming the lives of patients.

The Scientific Operations Officer (SOO), CNT is a new position that will collaborate with the Executive Director, Charlotte Sumner, MD and the CNT steering committee, to translate CNT’s vision and strategy into operational tactics, oversee programs, and grow partnerships and scientific programs. The person in this position will play a vital role in ensuring the efficient operation and growth of CNT's scientific initiatives. They will also be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations including resource allocation, project implementation, partnership development, advancing technology transfer, and direct contributions to developing new neurogenetic therapeutics.

The SOO will be a creative problem solver with the ability to build partnerships and implement systems that support the team, objectives and mission. The person in this position will use their scientific background and knowledge of therapeutics development, and their experience in leadership and operations management roles to drive forward key advancements in the field.

Specific Duties And Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Executive Director, direct the core scientific and operational activities of CNT.
• Manage day-to-day operations, including resource allocation and opportunities for growth.
• Establish an advisory board/steering committee that represents relevant departments and institutes.
• Evaluate resources available across the University ecosystem and in collaboration with steering committee identify strategies for deploying resources and initial implementation.
• Oversee development of a patient advisory council.
• Implement CNT marketing strategies, business development plans, and fundraising efforts.
• Work with the Center’s steering committee to plan and coordinate research personnel engagement events, quarterly scientific meetings, and web/social media presence.
• Administer the Center’s seed funding program, including overseeing the proposal review process and disbursement of funds to awardees.
• Collaborate with research staff and clinicians to support projects including but not limited to managing budgets, timelines, and cross-functional activities.
• Maintain a good working knowledge of all assigned protocols and projects and their requirements.
• Develop individualized trackers, summaries, and other documents to help facilitate discussions and decision-making on the center’s activities and budget availability.
• Spearhead special projects in collaboration with the Executive Director and steering committee, including but not limited to external communications, partnership development, event planning, new program design, and/or personnel recruitment.
• Oversee center-wide events, funding-agency site visits, workshops, and outreach including industry partnership events.
• Work collaboratively with individuals at all levels in the public, not-for-profit and private sectors.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Genetics, Cell and Gene Therapy, Biomedicine or directly related discipline.
• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in related genetic research.
• Demonstrated experience in nonprofit, scientific program, medical industry or academic environment leading and delivering projects to time, quality and cost.
• Experience with and enthusiasm for therapeutics development.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in genetics, cell and gene therapy, biomedicine or related field.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry (particularly genetic therapies).
• Experience succeeding within the academic environment (including experience with the office of research affairs and technology transfer offices).
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of grant and funding mechanisms, including compliance and reporting.
• Proven track record of garnering grants and/or philanthropy.
  
  

Classified Title: Program and Operations Manager

Job Posting Title (Working Title): Scientific Operations Officer (Neurology)

Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PG

Starting Salary Range: $99,800 - $175,000 Annually ($137,400 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)

Employee group: Full Time

Schedule: M-F 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Hybrid/School of Medicine Campus

Department name: SOM Neuro Neuromuscular

Personnel area: School of Medicine